It has been a very long past five years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to ESPN Stats & Information, their 33-47 record in that time frame ranks tied for 24th in the NFL in win percentage. They didn't even make the playoffs the two times they were above .500 in those campaigns, and their current five-year playoff drought is the team's longest postseason disappearance since a 14-year drought before the 1997 season.

That type of recent competitive trajectory can place a damper on even the team's most enthusiastic supporters, but the truth of the matter is Tampa Bay's dark days may be ending soon. In fact, there are multiple reasons to think the Bucs are a strong contender for at least 10 wins and a 2013 NFC playoff spot.

To read more about why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are underrated entering this season, you must be an ESPN Insider.